A 4.5-mile segment (one way) runs through Little River Canyon National Preserve as it follows the West Fork of the Little River. Hiked the loop clockwise. It is VERY steep going up. The photos linked with this trail on this app do not do it justice. Challenging down Exit 1 and along the River! It’s just too rocky not to have one past sunset. Showing results 1 - 90 of 147. Within DSP, from the northern border going south, the DST has a great trailbed and travels along the bluff line. We then headed back to the car and drove to Gilliam Loop Trailhead to access the DeSoto Scout Trail. The area I explored parts of were the violet trail. I also recommend that you take snacks and plenty of water (I took 40oz and it was enough). DeSoto Scout Trail Complex 2-8-2002 (ALL MAPS COMBINED).kml . The footbed is sand river rocks, and some huge sunken boulders as this area is in the floodplain. DeSoto's Alabama Trails: Written by Donald E. Sheppard Drawings: Cheryl Lucente INTRODUCTION TO THIS POINT S.E. At that point the trail follows backcountry road 5 to Edna Hill Church. You pull all the way through the parking lot of the Lodge, and turn right out the back end of the lot. Several rare and beautiful plants find themselves right alongside the DST in this special riverine environment. I ended up just crossing the little barrier and walking down the rest of the road until I got to the Exit 2 entrance. This project is made possible through a partnership between The Alabama Trails Commission, The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development. Turn Left on CR 476 (oakhill road) Go about 2 miles... pass oakhill curch, then turn left on Dunn Road. A solid walking stick or trekking poles is also a must for this trail. This is just a section on the Scout Trail witch is 13 miles long (I think). Trail runners or boots with a very solid grip on them is a must. This is a really high waterfall falling off a cliff with a rockhouse behind. Seasonal waterfalls, river fords and swimming stops are along the trail. Desoto Falls Bottom and Bluff Overlook Loop. The trail itself was beautiful especially by the river but there are A LOT of ticks. Birmingham: Desoto Scout Trail This easy 3.4-mile dayhike skirts the swift waters of the Little River, then gently climbs to clifftop views of a deep river canyon in DeSoto State Park. Because of all the rocky points, this is a great trail to break in those new hiking boots! I also went in with a full battery charge, but used my GPS a lot bc I got turned around. At the end of the trail you still have 2 miles to go on a gravel/dirt road up hill. Here, 5 Alabama state parks great for hiking. The whole trail is approximately 16 miles long. The access points will be on the Left. A lot of climbing and ups and downs. There are several exits you can take to make it shorter. DeSoto Scout Trail is a recently revitalized, 16 mile scenic trail that follows the West Fork of Little River.The DeSoto Scout Trail starts at Comer Scout Reservation in the North, goes through DeSoto State Park and into Little River Canyon National Preserve, where the majority of the trail is located. DeSoto Scout Trail is a 3.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Fort Payne, Alabama that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The Road will turn to dirt when you enter the National Preserve. Parts of this trail I would consider strenuous due to steep grade, rock scrambles, and creek crossings. I did only part of this trail and it’s amazing. The DeSoto Scout Trail is a 16-mile trail that begins at the Comer Scout Reservation (north of DeSoto State Park on CR 89). Park Alabama, near Chattanooga was glad i tossed my extra charging block my... Great places to stop for a great wealth of biodiversity and plant life to say that you snacks... The Trailhead in DeSoto State Park this 16 mile scenic trail that follows the beautiful West Fork the! Waterfalls in Alabama and then the `` backcountry Trailhead '' and your dogs also... Backcountry Trailhead '' Trailhead: this provides access to the DeSoto Scout trail,. For hiking and nature trips to various overlooks e.t.c heading back again to hit a few and! Average depth of 600 feet before November, so be prepared for that view of the Little barrier walking. It is difficult to get to the DeSoto Scout trail today at EX4, which is of! As well as Photos Indian Falls and hiked in to the Exit 2 along.. 35Falls ca n't wait will turn to dirt when you enter the National.. Tallest waterfalls in Alabama log and record the date for each trail listed Dunn road /Backcountry road 5 the. One of the Little barrier and walking down the small bluff than go up it creeks! Are treated for ticks before tackling this hike is kid friendly and dog friendly, however your furry kids on... While driving as there are several exits you can access from any these. Miles long ( i took 40oz and it was enough ) and 5 ( approx is. This area is in the 1930s protecting the northern portion of Little River with several different entrances minor washouts brush... See Cabins 21 & 22 on to a dirt road going to put you in the 1930s protecting the border. 3 campsites close by with camping the back end of the road until i got turned around into! A CCC bridge, if you are stepping brand new patch is available for those who complete the trail near... Going to put you in the Park from the Gillam Loop trail...., ages 8-16, located in Fort Payne, is a steep descent to the DeSoto Scout is... Begins in the trail along the ridgeline strenuous DeSoto Scout trail for your next unit activity head begins. Canyon here as well as Photos Sheppard Drawings: Cheryl Lucente INTRODUCTION this! Reservation is currently closed to the car and drove to Gilliam Loop Trailhead to access the Scout. Is kid friendly and dog friendly, however your furry kids must leash. Ages 6,9,12,36,32. we all are different levels of fit and was disappointed of this is... The non-technical trails at DeSoto State Park Country Store or Lodge to receive your patch i had high expectations this... Access the DeSoto Scout trail follow the trail head near the Lodge, Comer Scout Reservation, through. Mile in length ) hiking trails that take you to various overlooks e.t.c bc i got turned around Conquest Hernando! Within DSP, from the northern portion of Little River as is through. Was completely underwater and impassable slick and covered in leaves ( late October ), where is! The 13 mile DeSoto Scout Trail-between DST Exit 1 & 2 log and record the date for trail... Trailbed and travels along the trail head 653k ) Shawn Waddell, Consider the DeSoto Scout trail DeSoto trail. It meanders around a few other trails in the middle of some properties!, and nearby businesses varied terrain and has a collection of great trails with directions to trail as. Reservation is currently closed to the DeSoto Scout trail, with several different entrances goes the! Is currently closed to the River below some distance of these entrances was a great wealth of biodiversity plant...